The Recipe

Washing Powder (no borax) With Added Fabric Softener

RECIPE RATING

( 11 Ratings )

INGREDIENTS

2 bars Velvet/Sunlight soap

200g Epsom salts

500g washing soda

500g bi carb

essential oil of choice - link above

We have been making our own washing powder for a while now and have played around with this recipe a few times. We have added the Epsom salts, which we love because it softens the water and from our research it acts as a type of fabric softener. You could however leave it out as it doesn’t make your clothes any cleaner.

This works out to around$5.16 per kg(which by my research is cheaper than most regular washing powders). When you also take into account that you only use 1/4 cup per load it works out to about 40-50 loads, so about15 cents per load, which I think is quite good, plus you are not using those ‘nasty’ chemicals that are in many store bought powders.

Also, if you can buy any of these products in bulk it will further reduce your costs.

FAQ: Why no borax? A: This is really a personal choice, but from our investigations we have chosen not to use it. It can be a naturally occurring substance, but although natural, it doesn’t always mean it’s safe. We wouldn’t like to be breathing this in from the dust it will create in your Thermo machine.

I love this washing powder recipe. It’s easy and it works well at removing first. I was wondering though how much do you use? I’ve been using a scoop from supermarket brand washing powder for a full top loader. im thinking about halving the amount I use. Thanks

Catherine, that would be perfect, if your washing is clean then you are using the right amount 🙂 If you think it needs more or less at times, adjust to suit (ie really dirty, smelly loads might need a bit more). xx Tracey

Jasvinder, do you have a high speed blender/food processor. You can use that. Otherwise, you can grate the soap with a cheese grater, then crush with a mortar and pestle , then mix together as per recipe.

I was using this, but then read somewhere online that it was a lot harder on your washing machine and hoses (I think this was due to the soap). Can you please let me know about this? Is it perfectly fine for your machine?

This recipe is brilliant! My son suffers from terrible eczema and we struggle to find a washing powder that doesn’t bother him. I decided we had nothing to lose by trying this recipe, sceptical that it wouldn’t get our clothes clean. I am so glad we made this, it doesn’t only clean clothes, we have found it cleans better than commercial powders!! And no eczema flair ups 😀 Win – Win!! Thanks guys

Hi there, I’m just wondering if you have used “Sard Wonder Soap? in your “recipe testing” before. I usually rub it on my children’s clothes with a bit of water before putting them into the washing machine and it’s fantastic for removing stains. Just wondering what your thoughts were on this. Thanks in advance.

I love this washing powder once it’s made but find it horrible when blitzing up the soap. I wear a mask and it still is unbearable to breathe in. I’m wondering if it would matter if you used an unfragranced soap?

Hi Sarah, if you leave it a minute or two before you take the lid off (after blitzing the soap) it does tend to settle down a bit, but I agree it can get airborne, so it is always good to be careful. If you can find an unfragranced soap that is natural and will dissolve well, definitely give it a try.

If you find that it is sticking to your clothes and not dissolving you can try a few things – add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle or mix your soap powder with some hot water before adding to the machine. And if using a top loader always add the powder first, before the clothes.

Hi. I cannot see the answer to the question about how hard it is on your machine and hoses i.e. wear and tear. It is one of the reasons I use SA8. No fillers and nasties to clog up and damage your machine over time. It also works out quite cheap per load but would rather not have to go out of my way to buy it. I am very interested to hear your findings on this.

Hi Melissa, this recipe uses all natural ingredients which are a zillion times less harmful and toxic than some store bought brands and I have never had (or heard of anyone else that has) any problems using this powder. I have a top loader and Jo has a front loader and both of ours are totally fine. But it is always up to you to use your own judgement with regards to your washing machine. 🙂 Tracey

Kate – Always pull our blades/bowl apart and wash extremely well after making washing powder. But to answer your question, no not really. I don’t worry about it as long as I have washed everything really well afterwards 🙂 Tracey